Hove MP Ivor Caplin has insisted Tony Blair is staying put as Prime Minister.

Mr Caplin spoke out following mounting speculation about Mr Blair's future and criticism of the Government's handling of the Iraq crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott admitted over the weekend that MPs had been discussing Mr Blair's successor.

Asked if ministers had thought about a future without Mr Blair, he said: "Every Prime Minister goes eventually."

He added: "I think that when the plates appear to be moving, everyone positions themselves for it."

However, Mr Caplin, who himself faced demonstrations over Iraq in Hove at the weekend, defended Mr Blair's eight-year record as PM.

He said: "I think all of this is a load of Press froth. The Labour Party under his leadership has already been a huge success. You only have to look at the state of the schools after seven years under a Labour government to see the success.

"The same goes for health and police. I have no doubt he will lead us to victory in the next election, whenever that may be."

On Saturday, protesters put sandbags over their heads while others carried a symbolic coffin to mark the "death of democracy" at anti-war rallies in Brighton and Hove. A Grim Reaper with a George Bush mask joined the procession while a drummer banged a funeral march to make a stand about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

The marches were directed at Mr Caplin and a Brighton firm involved in making weapons components.

About 50 campaigners took part in the first procession from George Street, Hove, to Hove Town Hall.

Inside, Mr Caplin was holding a regular surgery for constituents.

The crowd, angry at Mr Caplin's pro-war stance, chanted "Ivor, Ivor, Ivor - out, out, out".

Among the throng was Steve Guy, 50, a member of the Respect Coalition, which will have candidates standing in the European elections next month.

Mr Guy, from Portslade, said: "Ivor Caplin has been staunchly pro-war and rewarded with a senior position in the Ministry of Defence. But all last year he refused to accept petitions that had been sent by the electors of Hove."

A small party of campaigners entered the building to hand over a petition signed by thousands. But they came out disappointed, having been told Mr Caplin was not available.

Later, dozens of people gathered for a similar march in Brighton.

Mr Caplin brushed off the latest in a series of demonstrations and said Mr Blair was still the best man for the job.

Following Mr Prescott's comments, bookies yesterday cut the odds on Tony Blair quitting before the General Election for a fourth day running.

The Prime Minister was 14-1 on Thursday to stand down before the poll, expected in 12 months' time.

Now William Hill is offering just 13-8 that he will go and 4-9 that he will lead Labour into the election.